A fresh look at the ever-changing world of mutual funds

Like all investment instruments, mutual funds continue to evolve. In the last decade however, there has been plenty of change, including market capitalization, the introduction of new types of funds, and the expansion of the mutual fund model to include investments in commodities.

"Getting Started in Mutual Funds, Second Edition" offers a completely updated look at this popular investment vehicle, including everything from Morningstar's new matrix of evaluating a fund's investment style to implementing mutual funds into long-term investment strategies in retirement plans. Throughout the book, author Alvin Hall also focuses on the basics, like how to read a prospectus, how to evaluate ongoing fees and expenses, and how to gauge a fund's performance.Acquaints you with the various types of mutual funds and how they are structuredExplains important mutual fund terms and conceptsNew chapters include information on exchange-traded funds and how they compare to mutual funds in terms of performance, risk and feesReveals how to assess a fund manager's investment style and its impact on your returns

Gain a better understanding of mutual funds and maximize your investment returns with "Getting Started in Mutual Funds, Second Edition."

Now completely revised and expanded!

THE bestselling guide to Getting Started in Stocks

Thinking of getting your feet wet in the stock market, but don't know where to begin? Perhaps you've already taken the plunge but would like to know more about the stock and mutual fund investments you've made? Tens of thousands of investors already know the place to start is this best-selling guide by Alvin D. Hall, whose dynamic style of teaching investment professionals has earned him the moniker, the "Professor of Wall Street." Packed with new material on mutual funds, dozens of new real-life examples, and up-to-the-minute information, this thoroughly updated edition will help you:

• Set clear financial goals
• Determine the level of risk you can afford to take
• Evaluate stocks and securities for risks and rewards
• Track market trends for solid, informed choices
• Use mutual funds to diversify and cut risk
• Determine the right proportion of stocks for your portfolio
• Fully exploit international market opportunities